As the United States Supreme Court revisits Roe v. Wade, California lawmakers are staying busy to make sure abortion on demand is the law of the state. Gavin Newsom, the state's Democrat governor, recently signed a law making abortions free in California.
Abortion advocates say that making abortions free will reduce barriers for women who want to terminate their pregnancies. However, opponents of the new law say that it will force taxpayers to foot the bill for abortions.
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California president and CEO Jodi Hicks, made the following statement about the law, which goes into effect in 2023.
“Eliminating out-of-pocket costs for abortion for people with private insurance is a major step in California’s commitment to being a Reproductive Freedom state — making abortion services more accessible and affordable for all people in California”
With the passage of these laws and others like them, California is cementing its reputation as one of the most pro-abortion states in the country. Abortion rights advocates hope that other states will follow suit and pass similar laws making abortions free and accessible to all. There are even those going as far as to propose paying the expenses for individuals traveling to California to abort their child.
Sadly taxpayers will be forced to foot the bill regardless of their personal beliefs on the matter. It is not yet clear how this will all play out, but one thing is for sure: the fight over abortion vs the sanctity of life is far from over.